Essential Australia: Towards a thematic framework for the interpretation of cultural heritage sites in tourism

Objectives of Study There is a strong tradition of using themes to classify heritage sites and organise historical materials and ideas. Themes can also be used in tourism to link disparate regions, shape tourism intineraries and provide multiple interpretations of the same space. The principle aim of this study was to develop a set of themes for the interpretation, marketing and development of cultural heritage tourism products and services in Australia. The themes aimed to provide an overarching framework that: - is relevant and applicable to the range of heritage properties, geographic regions and tourist groups that exist in Australia; - reflects the diversity of heritage in Australia; - provides accessible and challenging interpretation of the past; - attracts tourists; - enhances visitor experiences of heritage; and - can be understood across a spectrum of expertise: academics, heritage managers, tourism operators, and visitors.